Modernizing legacy applications is crucial for organizations to maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving digital marketplace. Legacy systems often house significant amounts of data and support essential processes, but they can hinder operational efficiency and customer experience. By modernizing, organizations can better respond to changing market conditions and improve overall performance.

CIOs should actively seek support from their C-suite colleagues and department managers by clearly communicating the benefits of modernization. Highlighting how modernization will positively impact their teams and operations can help gain buy-in. It's important to involve these stakeholders early in the process to ensure alignment and resource allocation.

Organizations should collaborate with department leaders to assess the impact of different legacy systems on operations, customer experience, and costs. This collaboration can help identify which systems are most critical to modernize based on their risks and costs. Not every old system needs immediate attention; some may still function adequately and can be left alone for now.